What does Mhairi mean?
Mhairi is the Scottish Gaelic form of Mary, sharing its debated meanings.
What does Catriona mean?
Catriona is the Scottish Gaelic form of Katherine, traditionally “pure.”
Mhairi vs Catriona
Which is more popular?
Mhairi and Catriona are given to a similar number of US babies today.
| Mhairi | Catriona | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Of debated origin | Pure |
| Origin | Scottish | Scottish |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | VAH-ree | kah-TREE-nah |
| Syllables | 2 | 3 |
| First appeared | 1997 | 1965 |
| Peak year | 1997 (5) | 1998 (32) |
| In 2025 | 0 | 0 |
| Trend | Steady | Steady |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Mhairi
Catriona
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Mhairi | Catriona |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 0 | 49 |
| 2010s | 0 | 127 |
| 2000s | 0 | 207 |
| 1990s | 5 | 152 |
| 1980s | 0 | 97 |
| 1970s | 0 | 27 |
| 1960s | 0 | 24 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mhairi or Catriona more popular?
Mhairi and Catriona are given to a similar number of US babies today.
What is the difference between Mhairi and Catriona?
Mhairi means Of debated origin (Scottish origin), while Catriona means Pure (Scottish origin).
Which name is older, Mhairi or Catriona?
In US records, Mhairi first appears in 1997 and Catriona in 1965, so Catriona has the longer recorded history.